Will removing gum close my gap? i have a small gap between my front teeth. the last time i was at the dentist the dr. said that it was caused by the gum between the two teeth being too thick, but that i could have a procedure to remove it. if i have thi

Have : Have you had this type of space your entire life, or has it opened recently? I cannot tell how much tissue you have in that area, but in my experiences those types of spaces do not close on their own... Orthodontic treatment is usually indicated. Maybe some of the other panelists who answer your question have had different experiences. I suggest before you have any tissue removed, consult with an orthodontist regarding the space and their opinion on how to close it.

The : The skin you are referring to is called a frenum. Most gaps are not caused by the frenum, but the frenum sometimes gets in the way of closing the gap, or tends to re-open the gap once it is closed. If you want to close the gap somewhat you first have to understand why you have the gap. Is it because your teeth are too small or is your tongue thrusting your front teeth too far forward? If you don't eliminate the cause the gap will tend to re-open even if you have the frenum removed.

The : The prominent tissue is called a frenum and it can be the cause of the separation of your upper front teeth.A labial frenectomy is generally recommended for three reasons: 1. There is a prominent fibrous attached on the ridge of the jaw that prevents the central incisors from coming together. In this case the frenum is cut to release the lip and the fibrous attachment is removed. 2. The frenum places a significant pull on the gum tissue around the necks of the teeth. The frenum is removed to prevent gum recession and bone loss. 3. The frenum restricts the lip preventing seating of a denture. Without an exam i cannot make a conclusion that you need this tissue removed, but based on experience and your description i think this simple surgery, done under local anesthesia and with little risk, would benefit you along the lines of the first two items above indicate. Once the tissue is removed the teeth will have be moved to their new position with the aid of orthodontic movement. The teeth will not move on their own. Removal of te.

Good idea...: It may not be that the gum caused the gap, but the tissue all works together to produce the results you see (including the gap). Very often a frenectomy will improve & stabilize the desired orthodontic result. Kudos to your dentist for recommending this. If you're unsure, talk with your orthodontist too.

Maybe: Removing the frenum--the cord between that holds the upper lip to the upper jaw--if it extends down for enough to be in between the two front teeth--is a legitimate oral surgical procedure.

Probably not: If the frenum has been there as long as you can remember, removing it will not allow you teeth to come together. If orthodontics is the plan, removal may be needed to facilitate treatment.

Frenectomy: It can help prevent the gap from forming when you are younger--and the continual pull of the ligament ensures that the gap always stays the same. Our bodies are always changing--you don't look the same today as you did 10 years ago. So the thinking is that if you remove the ligament that is between your tooth you will eliminate a force that puts force on your teeth.

Bad Rx: Surgery alone is bad rx as it simply replaces thick connective tissue with thick reparative (scar) tissue. Standard of care has been, for over 30 years: 1. Ideally position the teeth (may require braces) 2. Remove excess connective tissue between the teeth and between the 2 halves of the upper jaw bone 3. Hold teeth in their new positions until tissue heals and matures. See anorethodontist.